Sofas
1980s Swiss Vintage Sofas
Leather
Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Fabric, Wood
1940s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Sofas
Sheepskin, Beech
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Metal
1930s American Art Deco Vintage Sofas
Wicker, Rattan
1960s German Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Fabric, Plastic, Fiberglass
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Leather, Wood
1970s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Sofas
Velvet, Ash
1970s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Fabric, Oak
1930s French Art Deco Vintage Sofas
Wood
Mid-20th Century Danish Art Deco Sofas
Mohair
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Canvas, Rosewood
20th Century European Moorish Sofas
Metal
1970s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Beech, Leather
20th Century French Art Deco Sofas
Linen, Wood
1950s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Teak
1960s French Post-Modern Vintage Sofas
Stainless Steel
1860s Victorian Antique Sofas
Mahogany
1950s American Vintage Sofas
Fabric, Rattan, Paint
1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Rattan
Early 2000s American Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Wool, Nylon, Foam, Beech, Maple
20th Century American Sofas
Chrome
1970s English Scandinavian Modern Vintage Sofas
Velvet, Rosewood
Early 20th Century Czech Bauhaus Sofas
Chrome, Steel
Early 2000s American Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Wool, Nylon, Foam, Beech, Maple
Mid-20th Century Finnish Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Leather, Oak
Late 20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Leather, Sheepskin
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Leather
1980s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Fabric, Birdseye Maple
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Fabric
1940s German Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Fabric
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Fabric, Upholstery, Hardwood, Teak
Mid-20th Century Swiss Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Leather
1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Bouclé, Teak
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Chrome
1940s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Upholstery, Wood
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Fabric, Wood, Walnut
1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Sofas
Bouclé, Pine
1970s Italian Post-Modern Vintage Sofas
Leather, Wood
1970s Brazilian Post-Modern Vintage Sofas
Faux Leather, Wood
1940s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Sofas
Velvet, Beech
Mid-20th Century Belgian Space Age Sofas
Steel
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Leather
1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Fabric, Teak
18th Century Antique Sofas
Upholstery
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Metal
1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Sofas
Fabric, Cane, Teak
1890s Victorian Antique Sofas
Wood
Late 20th Century American Sofas
Linen, Ash
1970s Italian Post-Modern Vintage Sofas
Leather, Wood
Late 20th Century Unknown Sofas
Velvet, Wood, Down
1850s Victorian Antique Sofas
Oak
Early 2000s Italian Modern Sofas
Textile
1750s English George III Antique Sofas
Mahogany, Wool
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Chrome
1970s Danish Post-Modern Vintage Sofas
Steel
2010s Italian Modern Sofas
Steel
2010s Danish Modern Sofas
Wood, Textile, Papercord
Shop Unique Sofas on 1stDibs: Find Mario Bellini Sofas, Togo Sofas, Vladimir Kagan Sofas and Other Seating for Sale
Black leather, silk velvet cushions, breathable bouclé fabric — when shopping for antique or vintage sofas, today’s couch connoisseurs have much to choose from in terms of style and shape. But it wasn’t always thus.
The sofa is typically defined as a long upholstered seat that features a back and arms and is intended for two or more people. While the term “couch” comes from the Old French couche, meaning to lie down, and sofa has Eastern origins, both are forms of divan, a Turkish word that means an elongated cushioned seat. Bench-like seating in Ancient Greece, which was padded with soft blankets, was called klinai. No matter how you spell it, sofa just means comfort, at least it does today.
In the early days of sofa design, upholstery consisted of horsehair or dried moss. Sofas that originated in countries such as France during the 17th century were more integral to decor than they were to comfort. Like most Baroque furnishings from the region, they frequently comprised heavy, gilded mahogany frames and were upholstered in floral Beauvais tapestry. Today, options abound when it comes to style and material, with authentic leather offerings and classy steel settees. Plush, velvet chesterfields represent the platonic ideal of coziness.
Vladimir Kagan’s iconic sofa designs, such as the Crescent and the Serpentine — which, like the sectional sofas of the 1960s created by furniture makers such as Harvey Probber, are quite popular among mid-century modern furniture enthusiasts — showcase the spectrum of style available to modern consumers. Those looking to make a statement can turn to Studio 65’s lip-shaped Bocca sofa, which was inspired by the work of Salvador Dalí. Elsewhere, the furniture of the 1970s evokes an era when experimentation ruled, or at least provided a reason to break the rules. Just about every area of society felt a sudden urge to be wayward, to push boundaries — and buttons. Vintage leather sofas of that decade are characterized by a rare blending of the showy and organic.
With so many options, it’s important to explore and find the perfect furniture for your space. Paying attention to the lines of the cushions as well as the flow from the backrest into the arms is crucial to identifying a cohesive new piece for your home or office.
Fortunately, with styles from every era — and even round sofas — there’s a luxurious piece for every space. Deck out your living room with an Art Deco lounge or go retro with a nostalgic '80s design. No matter your sitting vision, the right piece is waiting for you in the expansive collection of unique sofas on 1stDibs.
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